LAUREL — Law enforcement officials are asking for the public’s help in solving a spate of vandalism incidents that occurred in Laurel over the past weekend.

According to Marshall County Sheriff Steve Hoffman, several vehicles were damaged when someone fired a BB gun at the cars, primarily on Saturday evening.

At the time, Hoffman said, some of the vehicles were occupied and being driven along Highway 14 near the Laurel City Hall — the drivers originally thinking rocks had hit their cars.

It wasn’t until the daylight hours the following day that the vehicle owners noticed the BB damage.

Additionally, a purse was stolen from a car in Laurel while the owner was attending church services on Sunday morning.

Hoffman said estimated damage to the vandalized vehicles range from $500 to $1,000 each.

The sheriff is asking members of the public who may have any information about the vandalism incidents to contact his office or submit tips via Marshall County Crime Stoppers by calling (641) 753-1234, via text by texting the word “marshall” followed by the tip to CRIMES (274637), or online at www.marshallcountycs.com. All tips are completely anonymous and could earn a reward of up to $1,000 if the tip results in an arrest.

Courtesy of the Marshalltown Times-Republican.

Law enforcement officials are continuing their search for an armed suspect who led sheriff’s deputies on a 20-mile pursuit, going at speeds in excess of 100 mph at times.

At 3 a.m. Monday, Marshall County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle near the 2200 mile of Sand Road. The vehicle was described as a black, 1996 Chevrolet Camaro and was registered to an associate of Thomas Daniel Sheets, 29, of Marshall County.

According to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the area and encountered a male subject on foot who was later identified as Sheets. A short standoff ensued, which eventually led to Sheets fleeing the area in the Camaro, leading deputies on approximately a 20-mile pursuit through Albion and the surrounding Marshall County area.

Subsequently, the suspect vehicle lost control, sliding off the roadway near the 1500 mile of Langford Avenue northwest of Albion, at which time Sheets fled the scene on foot. A perimeter of the area was set up with the assistance of the Marshalltown Police, State Center Police and the Iowa State Patrol. A Marshalltown Police K-9 unit was used to assist with the search in sub-zero temperatures. But after an approximate 3-1/2 hour search, the suspect was unable to be located.

During the course of the investigation, it was confirmed that Sheets was armed with a handgun during the initial encounter with deputies, according to the sheriff’s office. At this time, authorities consider him to be armed and dangerous. There is an active warrant for felony parole violation along with additional felony charges pending.

Those with knowledge of the whereabouts of Sheets should immediately contact law enforcement authorities.

In Marshall County, the public may submit information confidentially to the Crime Stoppers line by calling (641)753-1234, texting at 274637marshall (followed by your message) or by going online at www.marshallcountycs.com

Courtesy of the Marshalltown Times